Muruks set sight on Digicel Cup

By KEVIN TEME
THREE-time champions Structural Bridging Systems Mendi Muruks have their sights on claiming the Digicel Cup this season after naming a strong rugby league outfit.
Franchise owner Tom Higgins said the players were selected on merit and discipline had always been paramount on and off the field.
He admitted Muruks’ downfall could be attributed to lack of experience in the side because most of their young players were coming through the ranks.
Despite having their regulars Joseph Omai and Roderick Puname, their young guns could not live up to the expectations at the semi-professional level of competition.
Higgins has recruited qualified coach Joe Virani, who was the former head coach of the Lae Snax Tigers, to take charge of the side in Lae.
Muruks have also signed up flashy Telikom PNG Kumuls Michael Mark who had a stint with Hela Wigmen last season.  
Puname, who represented the Muruks at the PNG National Rugby League board meeting in Lae, said Higgins had seen the side’s decline and would rectify any loopholes to lift the performance of the players this season.
Higgins said other franchise clubs were hosting their trials to select their players while Muruks were behind their preparations.
But he is optimistic that Muruks have the players to become champions this season.
The squad is blended with experience and youth and should not be written off when the Digicel Cup challenge kicks off on April 15.
The 25-man side: Wesser Tanza, Mathew Puke, Wesley Benny, Garnet Awo, Michael Mark, Kewa Kili, Ronnie Tanza, Wer Mark, Andrew Baine, Roy Kela, Nombert Kembo, Jackson Undi, Wellington Albert, Charlie Wabo, Palus Mondo, Felix Tangue, Malaki Owen, Robert Nande, Jacky Kuman, Vernon Kaylo, Kenneth Yombe, Joshua Molsie, Gasp Lengo, Joseph Omai and Roderick Puname.
The team manager is Michael Wepi, the trainers are Mark Berry and Terry Toa, the physiotherapist is Desmond Jamalang and the team doctor is Mana Ario.
The team will be based in Lae. However, there are negotiations between the Southern Highlands provincial government and Higgins to have a Digicel Cup match in the province.